Program for the Support of Saxenda®

Adults with excess weight (BMI 27) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI 30) are eligible to receive Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg, which is a prescription medicine that comes in injectable form. and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old who are obese and have a body weight that is greater than 132 pounds (60 kg) to assist them in losing weight and maintaining their weight loss. Saxenda® should be used in conjunction with a diet low in calories and an increase in the amount of physical activity you get.  

• Both Saxenda® and Victoza® contain liraglutide, which is the same active ingredient and should not be used in combination with one another or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
• It is not known whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective when taken in combination with other weight-loss medications, whether they be prescribed, available over-the-counter, or herbal.
• It is unknown whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective for use in children under the age of 12 at this time.
• It is unknown whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective for use in children and adolescents ages 12 to 17 who have type 2 diabetes.

Even if the needle on your Saxenda® pen has been replaced, you should never lend it to another person. It is possible that you will spread a serious infection to other people or that you will contract a serious infection from other people.

What are the most essential facts I need to understand about the medication Saxenda®?

People who take Saxenda® run the risk of experiencing serious adverse effects, including the following:

Thyroid tumors, including cancer, are a possibility. If you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, you should consult a health care professional as soon as possible. There is a possibility that these are symptoms of thyroid cancer. Saxenda® and other medicines that work in a similar way to Saxenda® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer, in animal studies involving rats and mice. It is unknown whether or not Saxenda® will cause people to develop thyroid tumors or a specific form of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Saxenda® should not be used if you or any member of your family has ever been diagnosed with MTC, or if you have a condition of the endocrine system known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who ought not to make use of Saxenda®?

Saxenda® should not be taken in the following cases:

• if anyone in your family or you yourself has ever been diagnosed with MTC or if you have MEN 2
• Liraglutide or any of the other components of Saxenda® have caused you to experience a severe allergic reaction in the past. See "What are the possible side effects of Saxenda®" for a list of symptoms that could indicate a serious allergic reaction. "
• you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant Saxenda® may harm your unborn baby

Before beginning treatment with Saxenda®, it is imperative that you discuss all of your existing medical conditions in detail with your attending physician.

• are utilizing specific pharmaceuticals that are referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• suffer from severe stomach issues, such as a slow emptying of your stomach (also known as gastroparesis) or difficulty digesting food
• problems with your pancreas, kidneys, or liver, either currently or in the past.
• suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts or mental health issues currently or in the past.
• are currently breastfeeding or have future plans to do so There is no evidence to suggest that Saxenda® makes its way into breast milk. You and your health care provider should make the decision together regarding whether you will breastfeed or take Saxenda®.

Tell your doctor about any and all of the medications you take, including those obtained by prescription, those obtained without a prescription, those obtained over the counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Saxenda® causes a reduction in the rate at which the stomach is emptied, which can have an impact on medications that require a rapid transit through the stomach. There is a possibility that Saxenda® could influence how other medications work, and there is also a possibility that other medications could influence how Saxenda® operates. Notify your primary care physician if you are currently taking any diabetes medications, particularly insulin and sulfonylurea medications.

How should I take my Saxenda® medication?

• It is important to follow the directions for use that come with Saxenda®.
• Your healthcare provider may instruct you to inject your dose of Saxenda® subcutaneously (beneath the skin) in the area of your stomach (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. Do so only if you are comfortable doing so. Avoid injecting the solution into any veins or muscles.
• Alternate (rotate) the location of your injection within the area that you have chosen for each injection to decrease the likelihood that you will develop lumps under the skin, also known as cutaneous amyloidosis. When giving multiple injections, avoid using the same site.

What are the potential adverse reactions associated with Saxenda®?

Saxenda® has the potential to cause some serious adverse effects, including the following:

• Pancreatitis is a medical term that refers to inflammation of the pancreas. If you are experiencing severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that does not go away, regardless of whether or not you are vomiting, you should immediately stop using Saxenda and contact your healthcare provider. It's possible that the pain will travel all the way from your abdomen (belly) to your back.
  
• gallbladder problems Saxenda® has been linked to a variety of gallbladder issues, including gallstone formation. Some gallbladder problems need surgery If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should get in touch with a medical professional as soon as possible: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or stools that look like clay.
• Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is more likely to occur in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are also taking medications to treat type 2 diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
• risk of hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, in children aged 12 and older who do not have type 2 diabetes
• Low blood sugar can manifest itself in a number of ways, including tremors, sweating, headaches, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, and rapid heartbeats. Before beginning treatment with Saxenda®, as well as periodically while you are receiving treatment with Saxenda®, you should have your blood sugar checked.
• accelerated rate of heartbeat While you are at rest, Saxenda® has the potential to raise your heart rate. While you are taking Saxenda®, you should have your heart rate monitored by a qualified medical professional. If you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest for more than a few minutes, you should consult a doctor or another qualified medical professional.
• kidney problems (kidney failure) Saxenda® may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to a loss of body fluids (dehydration). The failure of the kidneys, which can be brought on by dehydration, may result in the need for dialysis. People who have never had kidney problems in the past can still develop this condition. Consuming large amounts of water can help lower the risk of becoming dehydrated. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away, or if you are unable to drink liquids by mouth, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
• adverse allergic reactions to allergens If you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, fainting or feeling dizzy, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or severe rash or itching, you should immediately stop using Saxenda and seek immediate medical attention.
• symptoms such as depression or suicidal thoughts It is important that you pay attention to any mental shifts, especially abrupt shifts, that occur in your disposition, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. If you have any mental changes that are new, getting worse, or worrying you, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, tiredness (fatigue), dizziness, stomach pain, and changes in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood are among the most common adverse reactions to Saxenda® in adults. Saxenda is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Fever and gastroenteritis are two additional side effects that frequently occur in children.

Adults with excess weight (BMI 27) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI 30) are eligible to receive Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg, which is a prescription medicine that is administered via injectable form. and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old who are obese and have a body weight that is greater than 132 pounds (60 kg) to assist them in losing weight and maintaining their weight loss. Saxenda® should only be used in conjunction with a diet that is low in calories and increased levels of physical activity.  

• Both Saxenda® and Victoza® contain liraglutide, which is the same active ingredient and should not be used in combination with one another or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
• It is not known whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective when taken in combination with other weight-loss medications, whether they be prescribed, available over-the-counter, or herbal.
• It is unknown whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective for use in children under the age of 12 at this time.
• It is unknown whether Saxenda® is both safe and effective for use in children and adolescents ages 12 to 17 who have type 2 diabetes.

In order to access the Medication Guide and Prescribing Information for Saxenda®, please click here.